The Senegalese government has announced that former president Macky Sall will face legal action over alleged financial mismanagement during his time in office. A recent audit report revealed major issues in the country’s treasury records under his leadership.

The audit office released a report on February 12, showing that Senegal’s 2023 budget deficit was 12.3%, much higher than the 4.9% reported during Sall’s presidency.

The report also found other accounting problems that raised concerns about how public money was handled.

Government spokesperson Moustapha Sarre stated that Sall, who led Senegal from 2012 to 2024, could be considered the head of a criminal group. Sarre stressed that Sall will have to answer for his actions in court, saying legal proceedings are unavoidable.

Sall, who has been living in Morocco since leaving office, dismissed the accusations, calling them politically motivated.

Senegal’s new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has promised a fresh start for the country. His prime minister, Ousmane Sonko, has been a strong critic of Sall and vowed last year to investigate corruption in the previous administration.

Several former officials linked to Sall have already been arrested, including a lawmaker charged with fraud and money laundering.

With legal action now looming against the former president, Senegal’s new government is taking firm steps to address past financial misconduct.